Remote Generator Interface Controller Wireless Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diesel generators in remote locations often fail unexpectedly, leading to costly downtime due to impractical monitoring and maintenance challenges, as technicians face difficulties in decoding coded information from OBD II scanners and visually monitoring gauges, especially in distant and continuously operating generators.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote generator interface controller and a generator interface device that wirelessly receives and transmits generator operation information, including operational status, engine hours, and sensor data, to a remote controller for processing and display, enabling real-time monitoring and early detection of potential faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring methods (OBD II scanner or visual gauge monitoring) are used, then generator operation information can be obtained, but the monitoring process becomes time-consuming and impractical for remote continuously operating generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote interface controller as an intermediary device that connects to the generator's OBD II port and wirelessly transmits decoded operation data to remote devices. This mediator handles the time-consuming decoding and monitoring tasks automatically, eliminating the need for technicians to manually decode coded information or continuously watch gauges at the generator location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring (technicians physically visiting generators to read gauges or connect scanners) with an automated electronic monitoring system. The remote interface controller automatically collects, decodes, and transmits data wirelessly to remote devices, substituting human effort with automated electronic processes that operate continuously without time loss.
2Ease of operation
If technicians manually monitor generator gauges or decode OBD II information, then generator status can be assessed, but the process is impractical for generators located in distant positions
Solution Approach 1:
The remote interface controller serves as an intermediary that simplifies monitoring by handling all complex tasks locally at the generator. It automatically connects to the OBD II port, decodes coded information, and transmits processed data wirelessly to remote devices. This makes monitoring easy for operators anywhere with a remote device, while the complexity is contained within the automated controller at the generator location.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically collecting, decoding, and transmitting its own operation data without requiring technician intervention. The remote interface controller autonomously manages the entire monitoring process, from reading sensor data through the OBD II port to wireless transmission, making the system easy to operate while containing complexity within the self-sufficient controller.
3Productivity
If generators operate continuously for months without interruption, then productivity is maintained, but potential failures go undetected until they occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by having the remote interface controller constantly monitor generator operation parameters and automatically transmit data to remote devices. This real-time feedback loop allows operators to observe generator status continuously without interrupting operation, enabling early detection of developing problems through trends in the transmitted data while maintaining uninterrupted productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential failures by continuously monitoring and transmitting operation data before actual failures occur. By maintaining constant surveillance through automated data collection and transmission, the system can identify warning signs and developing issues in advance, allowing preventive action to be taken before generators fail and productivity is disrupted.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple generators are deployed in remote locations, then power needs are met, but monitoring and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The remote interface controller is designed as a universal monitoring device that can be installed on any generator equipped with an OBD II port. It performs multiple functions including data collection, decoding, wireless transmission, and continuous operation without requiring different systems for different generators. This multi-functionality allows the same monitoring solution to be deployed across multiple generators, managing complexity through standardization rather than increasing it with each additional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each generator equipped with the remote interface controller becomes self-monitoring, automatically collecting and transmitting its own operation data without requiring centralized monitoring infrastructure or additional complex systems. This self-service capability allows multiple generators to be monitored independently and simultaneously, scaling the monitoring capacity across multiple units without proportionally increasing system complexity or cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed which includes a remote generator interface controller and a generator interface device. The generator interface device receives generator operation information and transmits the generator operation information to the remote generator interface controller. The remote generator controller device includes a processor, a screen, and a wireless receiver connected wirelessly to receive generator operation information from the generator interface device connected to a generator. The generator interface device includes a processor connected to a generator which receives generator operation information from at least one of a generator computer and a generator sensor and a transmitter connected wirelessly to transmit the generator operation information wirelessly from the generator interface device to the remote generator controller device.